Its time to say goodbye to a great Carnival Cruise Director, a great friend to the blog and a great friend to me. I want him to have the final words so please let me say thank you to Chris for all the joy he has given thousands of Carnival guests. You will be missed mate.
—————————————–
Greetings from Alaska!
As I sit here and type away in front of the computer, I look out my window at the mighty Majorie Glacier located in Glacier Bay. It is a beautiful day.
We have begun our last two cruises of the Alaska season. We end where we begin with the wonderful Glacier Bay Itinerary. A special cruise as we are only allowed 3 entrances to the park a year. The Glacier Bay Itinerary is….
Vancouver B.C.
Sea Day
Juneau – 2pm till 11pm
Cruising through Glacier Bay
Skagway – 7am till 4:30pm
Ketchikan – 11am – 7pm
Sea day then cruising the Inside Passage
Vancouver B.C.
My day today will be spent mostly preparing for our next voyages, which will be my last as a cruise director. I have 2 more Hawaii cruises to do and then on October 10 I will part ways with my role as a CD to begin a new life. What that is yet? I don’t know. I just know that it is time to move on. I will be getting married on October 14. (www.julieboruvkachris.com) and figured if I was going to make that kind of a change in my life I might as well make more than one at the same time.
Now that I have done this reposition a few times, the Hawaii prep is easy for me. Stuart Dunn will be taking over from me on October 10. I hope to share as much of my knowledge with him about how to make these transitions as easy as possible.
John has been posting more CD interviews. I had responded to him at the time that I would not be answering all of those questions, as by the time it actually got posted, I would be just a memory. So John asked me to send one last BUBBA blog looking over my past 15 years.
I actually started working on ships in 1992 with Holland America Line. I worked for a concession company called Trans Ocean Photo. My parents had gone on a cruise on the Regent Rainbow sailing out of Tampa to Cozumel. It was one of their first cruises. When they came back, they had such a good time; they had suggested that I look into working on a ship as I wanted to take a semester off from school. I had been working at Busch Gardens in Tampa in the photo department, so I put my resume together and sent it off. A couple of months later, I got a call….”Can you go this Saturday?” So thanks to my parents for giving me the idea, because otherwise none of this would have happened.
I also must thank my first roommate on the Nieuw Amsterdam. The NA was my first ship. Without Paul I think I probably would have quit within the first month of being on board. For the life of me now, I can’t remember what Paul’s last name was, but I do remember he was from a place called Devon, England. I was lost within the first 15 minutes of being on board. Had missed home, friends and family. But thanks to Paul, he really showed me the fun life of working on a cruise ship. And I quickly forgot all those feelings of wanting to go home.
(Me and Paul, my first roommate when I was a photographer for HAL)
My first contract was full of different itineraries. I worked the Western Caribbean, The Panama Canal & Alaska. All inside of 8 months on board. Saw many great things including Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica. Which I would have to go and stand in for 6 hours a call taking pictures of the Holland America Guests as they climbed up. Duval Street in Key West, stingrays in Cayman, and partied at Carlos and Charlie’s in Cozumel. Being a ship’s photographer, I even got to get off the ship as it went through the Panama Canal and take pictures. Very cool getting to stand on the locks.
Then in Alaska, visited the Glaciers for the first time, and stand in the rain, on the gangway taking pictures. I think this is where I realized being a ship’s photographer was not for me. The photo gallery on the Nieuw Amsterdam was located right by the show room. As I was the bottom of the barrel in the department, I was always schedule to work the gallery hours. So while the shows were going on, I would pop my head in and watch what was going on.
This is where I first learned what it was to be a Cruise Director. I saw this guy up there, just talking, telling stories and a few jokes. I had always been into public speaking a kid and decided that seemed more suited for me to do. When I inquired about changing positions, I was told I was a concession, and would not be allowed to transfer. Not without parting ways with Trans Ocean. At this point I was about 6 months or so into the contract and decided that it was not meant to be and I would go back to school. I put in my notice that I was going to leave. Back then, your contract was scheduled, as long as you could stand being on board. About three weeks later I was headed home. I signed off the ship to go home in Vancouver. I was very excited to leave. Partied up the last night in the crew lounge. Said good bye to everyone and the next morning I was in a cab headed for the airport. Then as the taxi left, and I lost sight of the ship, I started to realize home much I would miss my new friends and my home for the past 8 months. All of sudden I was sobbing. I wasn’t sure what was coming over me, but I know that it was because of how I felt in that cab, he drove me back to ships.
When I returned home, I went back to school for a bit, but quickly felt the call to the sea, and decided to re-apply to the cruise lines, this time setting out to become Cruise Staff. I had many of the cruise lines call and write back to me. Including, Princess, Premier and Dolphin, but all of them wanted to offer me photo positions which I was not interested in. Then one day a guy named Bob Woodry called me from Carnival.
He was in charge of the photo department shoreside. When I realized that’s what he was calling to talk to me about, I said, “Does anyone in your business read cover letters when they get resumes?” And that got our dialog going where we discussed that he could not get me a job there, but could offer me a new position that was being created in video as I had some experience in college with broadcasting. And also asked if I would be willing to come down and talk to him about it. I looked at it as a foot in the door, so I agreed. Drove down to Miami. The end of the interview, Bob said, “Can you go Saturday?” So I did and next I was off to the Carnival Fascination. Newest ship in the Carnival fleet. It was December 10, 1994. My start date with Carnival Cruise Lines.
In my first contract with Carnival I was right at home. There were no issues with being home sick. There was even one of the Hair Dressers on the ship from the Nieuw Amsterdam on board so I immediately made new friends through her. Here is where I learned a great part of ship life, is that you never know when you will run into someone again. So when you do leave a contract, you don’t have to be sad, because one of those friends could be just around the corner on the next ship. Also during this contract I met a man who would eventually become my idol as a CD….Brett Alans. I think one of the greatest Cruise Directors Carnival has ever had. All though I would not have called Brett and I friends during this contract, I did enjoy filming his talks and shows. Later our paths would cross again.
My big supervisor in the video department was a man named Nigel Stables. He came over from the casino department to video as he was always making videos in his spare time to teach new dealers how to deal games. Nigel, Dusan Happey, Rommel Recio and myself did the start up on the Carnival Fascination to being what ultimately became the Video Services department. Nigel and I became fast friends. He liked what he saw in my work to where he wanted to move me to the Carnival Holiday to be the guy who filmed the crossing of the Carnival Holiday through the Panama Canal….so I went to Panama….again. On the Carnival Holiday the Cruise Director’s name was Art Whitlock. I talked with Art about becoming a social host. He gave me the chance to host some activities, even though I was not in his department.
After my two ship contract, I was ready to put in for my transfer to get into the entertainment department. I spoke with Nigel and he really did not want me to leave the department, so he offered me a position working the Carnival Office in Miami. Faced with the decision on what to do, I decided to take the job working in the office. Gave myself a goal of 1 year. If I didn’t like it, I could always transfer back.
My time in the office was very beneficial. Here I learned the inner workings of the CCL head office. Worked on many video projects for different departments. From Corporate Training, Casino, photo & more. Made a lot of connections. But after the year was up, I still felt like I wanted to be a CD, plus I didn’t really enjoy living in Miami. So again I asked for the transfer, and so long as I agreed to finish the project we were working on, I would be allowed to go over to the entertainment department. Four months later I was back on the Carnival Fascination as a social host.
My return to the Carnival Fascination was excellent. I hit the ground running as a social host. After filming so many activities as a videographer, I needed next to no training. Put the mic in my hand. My first CD as a host was Graham Seymour. Probably the most naturally funny cruise director to have worked for Carnival. I know many of you who read the blog would disagree, but I am sure John would agree with me about how gifted Graham truly was. I studied every move of Graham, but realized soon that I would not be able to be like him. His humor was unique, and where I found I would have to develop my own persona. Valerie Crook was the host who trained me to be a social host. She later went on to become one of the first female cruise directors. During my time, I also learned about how to run backstage. Lights and sound. I wanted to learn everything I could about being in the theater.
(Fly on Lewis Nixon & I in Vegas!)
The time flew through my first contract as a host and soon I found myself home again. Within just a few weeks I was already to come back. Calling the office asking if there was space for me to go out early. My next ship was the Carnival Celebration, and where I feel I truly learned the most. The Carnival Celebration back then was a one host ship. So I was all by myself running the activities. I did everything. My 1st sea day schedule was manic. I would start at 9am, go till 12noon. Back up again at 12:30pm….run activities till about 4pm. Changes for the captain’s party. Host the parties with the cruise director, then run backstage for both of the shows. Then run to the other end of the ship to host the late night comedy special. Oh and then get up at 7am the next day to lead the tour departures.
It was crazy! But I loved it. Here’s where my path crossed again with Brett Alans. Now I was his assistant, and he showed me everything I needed to know to be a cruise director.
I spent about years as a host. I got promoted to ACD in 1998 when I brought out the Paradise. Of course, ACD position didn’t exist till then. I think I was the 2nd guy to get the title. Right after Simon Prendergast….who I believe was the 1st to get that title. The Carnival Paradise was the only new ship I brought out in my time with CCL. AND it was the ONLY ship where they DID NOT SEND THE HOSTS TO THE SHIP YARD….. L So I do regret not being able to get to see Finland or Italy. I joined the ship in New York. The first totally NON smoking cruise ship ever. It was a great contract. I knew that I had to be close to reaching my goal of getting to be a cruise director, and used this contract to learn as much as I could about the rest of the entertainment department. I spent time learning to DJ. Got to be a pretty good beat mixer, especially disco. Took up the bass to see what it takes to be one of our musicians. And spent a lot of time at cast rehearsals to see what goes in to putting on a production show…never did get good at the bass, but still got a lot of insight into the inner workings of what goes on in the department.
The fateful day came when I got the call from Larry Garlutzo the Cruise Director. He told me I had to call the office. He then told me that I was going to get a shot to be a CD. But then told me I had to act surprised when I was on the phone with the office. I spent about 30 minutes on the phone with Brian Horta who gave me the news and told me what to expect, and what he expected from me. I told him I hoped I would not let him down.
(Making an announcement at the Purser office on the Sensation)
I think it was April of ’99 when I signed on the Carnival Imagination for the 1st time as a cruise director. I had a two week handover with Steve Cassel. Steve is our most senior Cruise Director. He’s been doing the job longer than anyone else. Was true then and still is today. I was little worried about taking over from him. But within a few days Steve was a wealth of information for me. He was very generous in sharing with me years of experience. In my time I have taking over from Steve twice. A master of his craft.
My time on the Carnival Imagination was short. Only 3 months. But what a 3 month stint. I had taken the ship from a 7 day alternating run to a 4/5 day run. Got my first taste of performing with the show band as I would do my “Killer Bee” routine during the guest talent show.
Overall was very successful. Many guests were surprised to find out I had only just started as a CD. At the end of my time, I knew I would have to step back down to being an ACD. Brian Horta had stressed that fact to me when he told me I was getting my shot. Brian had brought me into the office, as they used to do back then, to discuss my performance as a CD and also to ask if I would be interested in helping around the office in preparing for the upcoming Millennium Cruises. So I spent the next few months putting together an entire manual for all Cruise Directors & social hosts for decade themed events to be run during the special cruises.
It was after this experience when I had my one and only experience working with John Heald. It was the end of 1999 and we were on the Carnival Triumph. I remember how he used to be retiring back then every week. Yet somehow he’s still here. I sailed into the new millennium as John’s ACD. It was my last time in that position. I was back to being CD right after the new year on board the Carnival Celebration. A ship hold near and dear in my heart as one of my favorites.
(Myself with Juggler Victor Zuniga on board the Celebration)
The rest as they say is history….I have had a chance to be Cruise Director on the Imagination, Celebration, Fantasy, Fascination, Inspiration, Sensation, Jubilee, Elation, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Miracle, and Carnival Legend. Some ships more than others. Working out of Tampa, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, New Orleans, San Diego, San Pedro, Vancouver, Whittier/Anchorage, & Honolulu. I have had some many wonderful opportunities and so many more people to thank who have helped me along the way.
(Jen Baxter, my then ACD, now a CD & myself at a flashback party)
As I look to the future, I am not sure what in holds for me. But know that something will find my way. I kind of stumbled into working on ships and becoming a cruise director, and I know the next thing will come along when it’s time. Right now, I am winding down with my last 3 cruises. Doing some last minute wedding plans. Packing up my life on ships. It’s amazing how much crap you can collect. October 10, 2009 I will sign off in Ensenada, Mexico. Drive to Las Vegas for the wedding. Get married. Go to Florida for a couple of weeks. Then fly with my new wife to her home in Prague in the Czech Republic where we will spend Christmas and New Years.
Then after that I will start to look for work. I would like to continue performing in some way. Either on stage, radio or TV. I would love to continue performing my blues show. I even inquired about becoming a fly on entertainer, so you never know, you might see me again on another FUN ship, but in a different capacity. Or perhaps I will find something else I will be passionate about. Working for myself or for someone else….anyone hiring? I just know that I will want to spend time enjoying time with Julie & our dog-to-be…ELWOOD.
Which will be one of the first purchases I make now that I can finally have one living on land.
(me on a tandem bike ride in Skagway Alaska)
Cruise Director’s Conference from I don’t know when….Cruise Director’s in the Picture: Bret Alans, John Heald, Jorge Solano, Mark Hawkins, Trevor Block, Dana Hodson, Matt Ross, Steve Cassel, Mark Price, Josh Riffe, Todd Wittmer, Matt Goodwin, Shawn Bussey, Lenny Halliday, Paul Santley, Larry Garlutzo, Marashall Stanton, Risa Barnes & Jeff Bronson.
(Even older CD conference picture. Cruise Director in this pic, not in the one above: Greg Kneale, Troy Linton, Dave Armour, Corey Schimdt, Devin Flemming)
Now to answer some of John’s questions….
YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR
Ron JeremyJ & Phillip Seymour HoffmanYOUR FAVORITE ACTRESS
Meryl StreepWHATS ON YOUR I POD
Way more music than I can possibly listen to.YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE
The Blues Brothers, Star Trek(any of them) & the Hunt for Red OctoberWHO MAKES YOU LAUGH
Jenn Baxter(CD), Big Tex(CD), Brad Calabrese(CD), Marc Tavares(ACD), Lewis Nixon(Fly On), Carl Faulkenberry(Fly on), Kenny Miller(fly on), Merl Hobbs(Fly On), Al Ernst(Fly on), Risa Barnes(CD)YOUR FAVORITE CARNIVAL CRUISE DIRECTOR EXCLUDING YOURSELF AND ME ( JOHN ) AND WHY
Jenn Baxter, Big Tex, Brad Calabrese, Risa Barnes – All my ACD’s at some point.Brett Alans – my all time #1 and very good friend.
There are just too many people to thank for their friendship over the years. I hope that I will get to see them all again. If I forgot to mention someone, I am sorry. Thank you to all, for letting me have a small part of the blog over the past 2 years. It’s been a lot of fun.
In the words of the great Casey Kasem….”Keep those feet on the ground, keep reaching for the stars.” Was always my favorite way to end a show…..
So long,
Chris
Aka “Bubba”
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John: Could you post an answer please as it may benefit others.
Sailing on the Conquest “Veterans Cruise” 8-15 Nov 09. Do you know with the open seating option, can you make a reservation for a specific time if you have over 6 people or more in your group? On Princess using personal choice dining you can make a reservation if more than six. Thanks
Chris – thank you for all your contributions to John’s blog over the years! Your “Hawaii Reposition” series here last year gave us a unique heads-up as to what we would would experience when we took the April Ensenada-Hawaii Cruise (with you!) this year. Very neat!
Please find a way to keep up the Blues Brothers Act – it’s great! – oh, and once you buy your own real life puppy, you can really WASH THAT DOG!!
All the best to you!
Michael
Hi Bubba,
Glad Elizabeth and I got to sail with you on our Alaska cruise earlier this year.
Best Wishes for you and your bride to be and good luck in whatever future endeavors you chose.
And why not a parting shot of you and the BobbleHeald?
http://www.zydecocruiser.com/CarnivalSpirit/Alaska/Juneau/pic3/DSC01079.JPG
Best Regards,
bill
Hi Chris,
Thank you for the postings that you have done on the blog over the past two years. I’ve enjoyed reading about your Alaskan adventures.
Best wishes to you and Julie.
Clair
Chris:
We wish you and Julie a wonderfully long life together filled with more accomplishments and joys than you can ever imagine.
Thanks for the fun on our Miracle cruise where Jr. Powell made way for DJ to come to the Past Cruiser’s Party by scooting Funship Freddie out the other door!
Linda (Mom of DJ)
WOW!! How interesting Your life has been and how much you have learned doing so many things. I know you are going to do great in anything you decide to do because you are hard working and it seems you put your heart and soul in it. BUT FROM WHAT I READ….. I think you are going to be back somehow. Anyway if you don’t I wish you luck in anything life brings you and specially in your new marriage. Christmas in Prague.. ahhhhhhhh!
Many blessing in your new life
Nanni
Chris and Julie,
I’m sorry Don and I never got to sail with you, It would take an airplane flight to get to your ship. John can tell you. as I have told him many times.I do not fly.
Anytime I pass a Waffle house or see grits on a breakfast bar they remind me of you, having read John’s blog about your love for both grits and a Waffle house.
I hope the day you walk off the ship, you will not want to turn around an go back.
I wish for you many happy days , a wonderful marriage, and babies, if that be your wish.
Never go to bed mad, end each night with a kiss and an I love you and start each day the same way. And don’t ever forget that wives are ALWAYS RIGHT…. That’s the besy advice I can give you.
Keep in touch with us thru John’s blog and let us know how you are doing.
Maybe you will be a fly on entertainer on a Carnival ship we are cruising on one of these days.
Best of wishes
Carolyn and Don
Dear Chris
What a wonderful Blog
“Great Pictures!”
and a great way to “say Goodbye” to Carnival
Wish you much success and happiness
Your Neighbors in Tampa
The Tuckers
Elizabeth & Arnold
Good luck in your marriage!
Congratulations Chris ( Bubba ) for the years that you’ve given to Carnival.Best wishes to you and your wife to be and as you said to everyone after the show, .”Keep those feet on the ground, keep reaching for the stars.” May those stars be beautiful children Bye.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Hey Bubba,
Smooth sailing in whatever you end up doing.
I’m sure you will be a success.
Hope our paths cross on a cruis someday.
All the best,
B&D from Canada ( Stratford)
Bubba,
Liz and I are sad to see you leave but very happy for your wedding.
You will not recall, of course, since you do so many of them , but you helped me propose to Liz on Carnival Elation October 2004.
You helped me plan it and told me to listen for my que to come on stage during the cocktail party.
I was nervous! You gave me the mic and you took my camera. You nailed the shot of me on bended knee.
Please keep in touch with John and let us know if you have a website for your work or when you may be a “fly on” so that we can book a cabin on that sailing!
Be safe and have fun. Hope to see you again soon.
Phil & Liz
Houston, Texas
Bubba,
Great wrap up! Sandra and I enjoyed sailing with you this summer and we wish you all the best both personally and professionally! Linda
I will miss your blog entries… it was always fun to read. I know you will be missed by so many people. I wish you all the very best and many many happy years with your soon to be bride!
Chris,
Great blog…wishing you and your wife to be a lifetime of happiness.
Was so great to hear you mention Graham Seymour. He was the CD on the Inspiration back in 1996 during our honeymoon cruise. He was hilarious and we have always been curious whatever happened to him. I’m sure he’s still making people laugh somewhere.
Again, best wishes for a wonderful wedding and future.
Lisa and George
Chris,
I never had the pleasure of sailing with you as CD but have read your blogs over the years and enjoyed them very much.
Congratulations to you & Julie on your upcoming marriage…..you picked a good month…October 6, 1979 was my wedding day!
Please post some of your wedding pictures for us to see.
Good luck and God Bless
Cindy
We are sailing with “Bubba” in 3 days… can’t wait. I am looking forward to the cruise and our Cruise Director.
Stefani
Hi Chris,
Have a great wedding, we hope that you will be a fly on with your blues act IT IS GREAT! We spent a week with you last September in Alaska and you are amazing! Congratulations on your “retirement” from Carnival, but hope to see you as a fly in!! Take Care. Cheryl and Mike
Thank you for this wrap-up – what a fascinating path to a career you enjoyed so much! Best wishes in your upcoming marriage. Janet
Thank you Chris for taking the time to put “your story” on the blog today. You have really lived the cruise life, not only you having fun but giving the guest the one of the best cruises they will be on.
I want to thank once again you for the gifts you sent Mike and I, taking the time to call me and all in all making it a wonderful cruise. You knew I was not very excited about Alaska and you were so gracious to make sure I saw the best. When you are on stage, you draw your audience in and make sure we all have a good time. Your rendition of the Blues Brothers was absolutely, as John says, BRILLIANT. I am so happy that I can say that, “yes I did sail with Chris on the Spirit, and he was one of the very best CD’s we ever had”.
I wish you the very best in your new life, you will find something that will fulfill you and make you happy. Best wishes to you and Julie, may you have sunny days, starry nights and smooth sailing.
Thank you John for this wonderful blog and for all you do for all of us.
Chris,
Best of luck to you in your new life (what ever that may be) and congratulations on your upcoming marriage.
Though I never had the privilage of cruising with you, I know that if you were a CD with Carnival you are “Good People” as my daddy would say.
I know your talents will be missed. Who knows, maybe you will get to do a fly on gig on one of my cruises on day.
Enjoy whatever life has planned for you in the future.
Peace,
Jay
PLEASE REPLY
Hi John,
Anxiously awaiting our trip with you on the Bloggers Cruise on 12/3! I know you are trying to play catch-up on ?s, but didn’t know if this was sent to you….can you tell me the elegant nights and any nights you have bloggers functions planned? I wanted to make reservations at the Steakhouse for my in-laws birthdays which we are celebrating that week and would love your input as to which night might be best.
Also, do you know if the Dream will have the Future Cruise Certificates available onboard?
THANKS!!!!
John just wanted to comment on this great “Bubba” blog submitted by Chris.
I’ve had the pleasure of being a “Fly-On” with him as Carnival’s “Ambassador of Swing” on the Spirit for the past 2 years. In fact the two of us have been performing a tune together during the “Singing With The Big Band” Show the past few weeks. It Rocks! He’s truly going to be missed on the Spirit by passengers and crew alike. Whatever he decides to do I’m sure it’ll be a big success! Great guy, good friend!
Chris,
We took our 7th CCL cruise with you this past August. We had a great time and you were the best cruise director we have ever had (Big Tex runs a close 2nd…) Your humor and zeal for life will carry you far wherever you decide to go. Calm seas and following winds my friend….
Chris–Thanks for the guest blog–loved the pic’s. I had the pleasure of being on the Spirit this past January with you. You were GREAT!!! You are going to be missed. Good luck to you and Julie. I do hope to see you again on Carnival.
Thanks Chris
What a great last blog, so enjoyable to read, you will be missed.
Good luck for the future and every happiness, I was married 10 years ago in Vegas, such a great time, had the works elvis etc, please post a picture or two.
Take care
love
Michelle
Thanks Bubba!
Good luck in your future endeavors and remember the little folk who got you to your place today!
Dear Chris,
Best wishes for the future and the wedding.
The Cruzin2some
James & Nancy
Just my luck.. I am sailing on the Sprirt on the 10th.. I seem to jump on board ships when a new cruise director takes over.. Good luck on your new endeavors.
Kevin
Chris, we wish you and your new bride the best of wishes. I do regreat that we did not get a chance to sail with you. You blogs about Alaska and Hawaii have us longing to sail there.
I am another fond of Waffle House so I know you must be a great guy. When you get bored sitting at home, send John a blog or two. Maybe even make an appearace on a Bloggers cruise?
While spending time on the blog thingy today I noticed that the link for the Blogger’s cruise still shows the Nov. 15th sailing date, which I understand has been cancelled. An update to the site will help alleviate confusion, I’m sure.
A group of us is anxiously awaiting our Dec. 3rd voyage on the new Carnival Dream, not only with John but also Damian Brell — our favorite piano bar artist. It is shaping up to be a magnificent cruise. The picture which was posted which captured her at night on the water was simply breathtaking. Now if it would just hurry up and get here!!
For John’s reviewand possibly post.
Dear John,
We just returned from sailing on the beautiful Carnival Pride and I wanted to thank you for your help with our meet & greet and everything you did for us. You along with Kirk the fantastic CD, William ACD who graciously wore the Crab Hat all week that we brought onboard and had so much fun with and beautiful Jaime who always had a sincere warm smile and hug, helped make this cruise one of our best.
Here is our review. I hope it is not too long.
This was our first cruise from the Port of Baltimore and since we are 20 minutes from the Port it was really convenient.
Embarkation: The Port of Baltimore is a really wonderful Port to sail from. Everyone there was really friendly and helpful. We left our home at 12:30 and we were on the ship by 1:30. This was also my Michael’s Platinum cruise and the VIP boarding was wonderful.
The ship:
The Pride is a beautiful ship. It is done in a Renaissance era theme and we loved how elegant it was. I have uploaded pictures here so you can see for yourselves. http://picasaweb.google.com/cruzingal/PrideSailing9062009#
Our Cabin # 5236 obstructed view balcony
We loved this cabin and found the view was really not obstructed at all. We could still view the ocean and were able to look down between the Lifeboats. With its very extended balcony we found this cabin to be a terrific deal for the money. It was a quiet cabin and located close to the aft elevators which made getting to the Lido Deck and the dining room really easy.
The crew:
We have 18 Carnival cruises between Michael and myself and have never had a bad crew experience. This was true for the Pride crew also. From our Room Steward team to the dining staff and the Lido deck staff, each and everyone was smiling and more than happy to make our vacation the best it could be. Kirk the Cruise Director and his entire staff are absolutely the best! The shows were wonderful and the comedian Carl Strong was hilarious and not to be missed if you are on a ship that he is on. I cannot say enough about Kirk and William (ACD) and Jaime, the soon to be ACD. They were always available and more than willing to help in any way possible. Kirk and Jamie arranged for our Cruise Critic Meet & Greet to be held in the beautiful Starry Night Lounge and went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great gathering. Thanks guys for a wonderful cruise.
We had 3 sea days on this cruise and I loved being able to relax. Most of our other cruises have been 5 to 6 Ports on 7 day cruises and although I love visiting the Islands, it can be very exhausting. The Entertainment Staff always had something going on from the Hairy Chest contest to Ice Carving, the Love and Marriage Show (Which was really too funny for words.) and much, much more. You will never be board on board a Carnival ship!
The Ports:
Cape Canaveral – We decided to rent a car and visit a friend while we were in this Port. There were shuttle buses waiting as you got off the ship to take you to the rental car offices and it could not have been easier. We drove down the main highway A1A and although you could see where this recession has taken its toll, the area is still very beautiful. We spent the day at Canova Beach with our friend and it is really a beautiful beach. Not crowded at all.
We returned to the ship at around 4:30 and enjoyed the Lido deck for the remainder of the day.
Nassau – We had been to this Port before and so we decided to wait until the first debarkation crowd got off then just go to the Straw Market and walk around. I am glad we decided to wait because the biggest thunder and lightening storm came over the Island and poured rain for about 1 and 1/2 hour. Because of the lightening, Carnival had to cancel shore excursions but they handled the reimbursements so well. They sent staff to the Lido deck to give on board credits for anyone that had purchased excursions and it was seamless. The weather finally let up a little and we departed the ship.
If you are going to Nassau, I would suggest that you walk past the Port markets and go a few blocks into the area. There are many beautiful buildings and things to see. There are also lots and lots of vendors if you are looking to make purchases.
Freeport – We loved this Port. It is not as commercial as Nassau and we really felt the “island flavor” here. We decided to do a Catamaran snorkel sail. I cannot tell you how great this excursion is and we highly recommend it to anyone. My only regret was that we had so little time in this Port.
Behind the Fun Tour on the last sea day – I had read that Carnival had began offering this “special” tour and I was very excited to go on it. This tour takes you behind the scenes of the ship from back stage to the crew quarters, to the kitchens and a Q & A with the head Chef. You also go the see the laundry, the Engine Control Room and meet with the Chief Engineer and then up to the Bridge and meet the Captain. We ended up in David’s Steak House and meet the Hotel Manager and were offered Champagne or wine and were given wonderful goodies and mementos of the tour. We also received 3 photos. One with the Chef, one group with the Captain and one individual with the Captain. This tour is not to be missed but book early because there are only 16 places allowed.
Dining on board:
We chose the Your Time (Anytime) Dining for this cruise and loved it. Not having to rush and get ready for early seating was a blessing. One night we ate at 6:15 and then others we ate around 8:00. On our 3rd night we found a wait staff, Donovan and his staff, that were simply amazing. We chose to dine with them from then on and I loved that we could choose. We will be doing Anytime Dining from now on.
David’s Steak House – We reserved David’s for the 2nd sea day night and ate at 6:30. We had done the Steak House on the Valor so we knew what to expect and David’s did not let us down. The service is impeccable and the food is definitely a 5 star experience. If you have not done a dinner at one of Carnival’s Steak Houses I highly recommend that you book and enjoy.
Debarkation back at Baltimore.
Since we were Platinum on this cruise we had Zone #1 for debarkation. We left our luggage out on Saturday night to be picked up for the next morning. We wound that this debarkation was relaxing and easy. We awoke around 8:00, dressed and went to breakfast then back up to our cabin to wait since we did not have to be in the Starry Nights Lounge until 10:45. This is where Platinum guests were asked to wait. They began calling the decks for self debarkation at around 9:30 and were done around 11:00 then a crew member came into the lounge and escorted all Platinum guests off the ship. We were off and trough Customs with luggage in tow by 11:30 and arrived back home by noon. This was the quickest and most painless debarkation that we have ever experienced.
Now I do have one con about this ship. The beds! On every one of our previous cruises I could not wait to crawl into the wonderful Carnival beds but the beds on board the Pride were hard as boards. I talked with many other cruisers and they felt the same. Not sure why these beds are different but I do hope Carnival changes them out.
All in all, this rates as one of our best cruises and we will definitely do this cruise again. Many, many times.
Thanks again John and Carnival.
Princess Sallie of big Ed’s Krewe
Chris,
LOVED your Blues Brothers show on the Spirit last April, and you were an outstanding CD in all other ways too! I enjoyed your onboard Q&A along with your ACD. Congratulations on your coming marriage! Best wishes to you both in all your future endeavors! Please come back to CCL as a fly-in!
Wendell
Bubba, just have to wish you the future you now sail towards sow the gifts youi have given so many in your past. Carnival will miss you. We pln a summer Alaska and sadly will miss you.
Kap (Kathie)
I never had the priviledge of sailing with you – but I agree with you, Brett Alans is one hellavua of a cruise director – thanks for the blog and the best of everything to you and your bride!!
Good luck Chris and much happiness!
To Bubba
I wish the best of everything to you and your bride. I hope life’s journey takes you to majestic and beautiful places.
I saw you as the killer bee and that was a hilarious show. I am sure you will be a success in anything you choose to do. Take care and my best to both of you.
Gloria aka Sue
Hi there – we just got of the Carnival Spirit yesterday in Vancouver – I saw your Blues Brothers show – it was sooooo funny! I’m new to this blog thingy, and if I’d known then what I know now, I may have introduced myself. Glad to have had the opportunity to cruise with you – wish we could have stayed on the ship for the Hawaii portion!
Good luck in your new life!
Terry & Ritchie from Vancouver, BC sailed 9-9-9
Chris,
Had the pleasure last year to end the Alaska season with your crew. Loved the ship and your work so much we rebooked for Hawaii,your last cruise as CD. We have counted down the days all 304 of them. I feel very lucky to be on that voyage. We even booked the same room. Can not wait,see you next week!
Cabin 5227
Terry
Hello, for 25 years ago I work together with Victor Zuniga on Vistafjord/Cunard. He also know my friend Ingrid. Do you know how to get in touch with him? I would be very glad.
John,
I am planning on going on a Carnival cruise but would like to go on one with Victor Zuniga, the juggler. How can I find out what his schedule of ships is?
Thank you!